Blood loss minimization in liver surgery

INTRODUCTION: Liver procedures may be associated with severe blood loss, requiring administration of blood products. Severe bleeding prolongs resection time and has negative effects on morbidity and mortality rates. Any technique, which would reduce blood loss during resection procedures is beneficial for a patient, as well as for a surgeon. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Literature overview of the commonest resection techniques and intraoperative care aimed at blood loss minimization. Assessment of the author's study group of 183 patients, operated during 2004-2008. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: During the study period, 217 liver resections were performed in 183 subjects. The mortality rate was 2.7%, the morbidity rate 24.6%. In none of the subjects, surgical revision was required for postoperative bleeding. The mean blood loss was 820 ml. When saving surgical techniques and modern devices are used, and high quality intraoperative and postoperative care is provided, the liver resections can be performed with minimum blood loss, resulting in fast reconvalescence and minimal complications.